Yearly storm protection maintenance is a must. We would like to provide you with maintenance recommendations and let you know about our service program. The idea is to NOT WAIT until a hurricane near to find out that your shutters are not working properly because they have not been maintained and serviced.

We care about our customers long after the sale, feel free to call us to service your shutters or to answer any questions that you may have about maintenance.

Check the top roller wheels for breakage, spraying them with silicone spray will keep them running smoothly in the track.

The (4) vertical locking pins need to be prayed with silicone spray so that you can lock and unlock them easily.

Try to wipe down the accordion blades to keep them clean from salt spray and dirt buildup which can varnish the paint.

When accordion is in its closed position try to keep your Velcro and holding clip indoors away from the weather conditions.

Spray the lock on the accordion with silicone to keep the internal gears moving freely to prevent seizing.

These steps should be done at least 2 times each year to keep your shutters working correctly.

Rolling Shutter Care & Maintenance

Shutters should be washed with fresh water. Sand and salt will have a tendency to build up on the shutters if they are not properly maintained.

All guides should be lubricated with silicone spray.

All caulked areas should be examined for cracks that occur over time.

These steps should be taken at least 2 times per year.

GCS Advantage Program

The GCS Advantage Program will save you time and money. When a storm is bearing down, we know it is essential that your hurricane protection works! You don't have time to look for parts or money to spend replacing pieces. The GCS Advantage Program will close this time, money and service gap. We will schedule service visits to ensure your system is at peak performance.

Rolling Shutter Maintenance Includes:

Rolling shutters will be inspected to unsure they are working properly. Any adjustments will be made as necessary. Accumulated debris will be removed from inside the hood as well as at the slats on both sides. Debris from the bottom slat and tracks will be removed as well. Additionally, while your curtains are closed, they will be sprayed down with a hose to remove any dirt and salt build up from the air.

Accordion Shutter Maintenance Includes:

All accordions will be inspected (including shutter blades, tracks and locks) to ensure they are working properly. Shutters will be cleaned of debris and the tracks, casters, & locks will be lubricates. All shutters will be checked for proper operation and locking. Accordions may have pins with thumb screws. We will open and remove thumb screws on locking pins and lubricate with "Corrosion X". If your accordions have Velcro straps, we will make certain the straps attach properly. We will rinse all vertical blades along with upper and lower tracking systems.

If this maintenance program is something you are interested in, call our office at 850-269-1066, or email us at jennifer@gulfcoastshutter.com. We serve Walton and Okaloosa Counties from Panama City to Pensacola. We look forward to serving you.

Gulf Coast Shutter & Overhead Door Co. of NW Florida will have a booth at the 2013 Fall Home and Garden Expo on Saturday, September 28, at the Northwest Florida Fairgrounds in FWB.
Tickets purchased in advance will be $1, and may be purchased at all Eglin Federal Credit Union branch locations. Admission will be $3 per person on the day of the event. Children 12 and under get in free.
Put it on your calendar and make plans to attend!

According to the Florida Home Builders Association, builder confidence continues to rise for newly built, single-family homes. Read their article below:
"Builder confidence in the market for newly built, single-family homes rose three points to 59 on the National Association of Home Builders/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index (HMI) for August. It’s the fourth consecutive monthly gain and brings the index to its highest level in nearly eight years. “Builders are seeing more motivated buyers walk through their doors than they have in quite some time,” said NAHB Chairman Rick Judson, a home builder from Charlotte, NC. “What’s more, firming home prices and thinning inventories of homes for sale are contributing to an increased sense of urgency among those who are in the market.” NAHB Chief Economist David Crowe added: “Builder confidence continues to strengthen along with rising demand for a limited supply of new and existing homes in most local markets. However, this positive momentum is being slowed by the ongoing headwinds of tight credit and low supplies of finished lots and labor.” Meanwhile, confidence in the remodeling market rebounded in the second quarter of 2013 with the Remodeling Market Index (RMI) rising six points to 55. The rise in existing home sales and increased demand for remodeling projects contributed to the positive report."

It is with great pleasure that we announce that Overhead Door Corporation has received the 2013 Women’s Choice Award® for America’s Best for Home for Garage Doors by WomenCertified®. Overhead Door continues to be in an elite group of award recipients that are recognized as a brand of choice among women. This recognition reaffirms consumers by continuing to build confidence in our brand and their purchase decision.

To help guide you through storm & hurricane season, use this buyer's guide as a go-to source when making informed decisions about storm & hurricane protection for your family, home & assets.
Insurance Requirements for Purchasing Hurricane Protection
Some insurance companies including Citizens Property Insurance require opening protection in order to receive or renew your policy (particularly in the case of policies with wind coverage). Many homeowners are also purchasing hurricane protection to take advantage of premium reductions of up to 30%.
In order to obtain the best protection for your home, remember that the product you purchase is a system, which means there are numerous considerations involved in choosing the right one.
Not all hurricane protection is alike and not all companies are the same. Choose wisely to ensure your home is fully protected.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How do hurricane shutters actually protect my home?
A. Shutters or Impact Windows & Doors are an important part of a
storm-resistant home. They provide protection for glass doors
and windows against windborne debris, which is often present in
coastal storms. Keeping the building envelope intact during a
major windstorm is vital to the structural integrity of a home. If
the envelope is breached, sudden pressurization of the interior
can cause major structural damage (e.g., roof loss) and will lead
to significant interior and contents damage from wind-driven
rain.
Q. What are the best kinds of hurricane protection?
A. The best kinds are those that are affordable and easy to operate
(according to your budget), and offer the greatest protection.
Whichever type you decide on it is important to remember that
shutters are only as good as the quality of their installation.
Ensure that qualified workmen install the shutters or their
anchors and that quality materials that meet the building code
for your area are used.
Q. What happens if I don’t have protection?
A. Once the building envelope (like your home) has been breached
by hurricane winds, tremendous pressure is brought to bear on
interior walls and upward pressure on the building’s roof. This
can lead to roof failure which exposes the entire contents of the
building to the storm.
Q. Is Window film a valid option for hurricane protection?
A. No, unfortunately not. Window Film is not a substitute for
shutters, it does not meet the Citizens Insurance requirement or
Florida building code and it will not protect against wind borne
debris. Please refer to www.intpha.com for more information on
the hazards of window film.
Q. How do I choose an installation company I can trust?
A. Make sure they are licensed, get references, and then check the
references. Check out a company with the Better Business
Bureau and your local licensing authority.
Q. Do I need a permit?
A. Yes and it’s the law. Working without a permit may result in
fines. By checking to see if the company you select pulls permits, then you are protecting yourself and the integrity of your installation.
Choosing a Company
Hurricane Protection is a necessity along our coastal region. Unfortunately, individuals and companies realize this and attempt to capitalize on customers with claims of the “lowest price” and “quickest service.” The right company will have the right products, knowledge, abilities and resources to deliver what is best for you complete hurricane protection and security needs.
1. License and Insurance
Ask to see hard copies of the specialty contractor license for municipalities where the work is to be done. Ask to see a current insurance certificate showing liability and workman’s compensation insurance.
2. Reliability
Ask if there is an office that you can come to in order to discuss options. This will help you evaluate their ability to provide customer service.
Check with the BBB to make sure the company has no outstanding complaints. This will tell you how a company resolves its problems. Is the company a factory authorized distributor or a manufacturer of the product you intend to purchase? Many companies buy their products through middle-man and have no relationship with the actual manufacturer, and they cannot supply you with a valid warranty that will cover all issues.
3. Installation
Make sure the company can provide references for their work, and are able to get you in contact with other customers to share complete experiences. Ask if the installers are employees of the company or if they use Sub-Contractors. If they use sub-contractors, be aware, the Sub-Contractors must also be licensed and be able to produce their own insurance, liability and workman’s compensation insurances.
Does the company use stainless steel and/or corrosion resistant
fasteners? These fasteners ensure there will be no rust staining
due to weather elements.
4. Warranties
Make sure that you read and understand the warranties on all products.

Gulf Coast Shutter's Lifestyle retractable garage door screens are turning garages into more useful space. This fully retractable, spring loaded system works in conjunction with your existing garage door. Going from garage to an ventilated, pest-free space is a snap and takes just seconds. When you are done enjoying the great outdoors, simply retract the Lifestyle screen and put your garage door down as usual. It's that easy!

- Keep your bottom accordion track clean by vacuuming the track out periodically.
- Check the top roller wheels for breakage, spraying them with silicone spray will keep them running smoothly in the track.
- The (4) vertical locking pins need to be sprayed with silicone spray so that you can lock and unlock them easily.
- Try to wipe down the accordion blades to keep them clean from salt spray and dirt buildup which can varnish the paint.
- When accordion is in its closed position try to keep your Velcro and holding clip indoors away from the weather conditions.
- Spray the lock on the accordion with silicone to keep the internal gears moving freely to prevent seizing.
These steps should be done at least 2 times each year to keep your shutters working correctly.

Great news! Overhead Door was named the “Brand Leader” by builders once again in Builder Magazine: Brand Use Study 2012. In fact, Overhead Door swept the category as leader in all four measurements covered in the 2012 Builder Brand Use Study as related to Garage Doors.

2012 Builder Brand Use Quality Award Winner for:

Gulf Coast Shutter now sells and installs Solar Gard solar and safety window films.
When considering home improvement changes that have a big impact, start with your windows. Solar heat enters through your windows and causes heat to build up inside your home. This makes your air conditioning and cooling costs go up, but today's technology makes improving your existing windows a cost-effective way to lower your energy costs. Solar Gard solar control window film can help you reduce your energy use at home by up to 30% while improving comfort and maintaining your home's appearance. The solar window films filter visible light and block more than 99% of the harmful untraviolet (UV) light associated with premature aging and skin cancer. With an SPF of 285+, window film can also protect furnishings, carpets and more from fading and damage due to UV exposure.
Solar Gard offers Armorcoat safety and security film with or without solar control properties. Armorcoat is designed to keep dangerous shards of glass together on impact, when glass is broken as a result of an accident, attempted burglary, storm or earthquake. Please note that this is not an approved method of hurricane protection.
Call today for a free estimate, (850)269-1066.
This information is taken from Solar Gard product brochures.